Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed gratitude yesterday to the striking workers of the Vatukoula Gold Mines and their families during a meeting at the Ba Civic Centre. He assured them that the end of their 33-year struggle, which began with the strike on February 27, 1991, was in sight.
Rabuka acknowledged the numerous challenges the workers had faced over the past three decades and thanked God for providing a new opportunity to resolve the matter. He reiterated the Coalition Government’s commitment to addressing the people’s needs.
He also praised Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, and his team for negotiating a resolution, which includes a $9.2 million payout as announced in the 2024-2025 National Budget.
Minister Agni Deo Singh announced that from August 1, 185 union members will receive $10,000 each, while the entitlements for the 183 workers who went on strike and have since passed away will need to undergo a legal review process.